Stabilizing openings for corrugated plastic water craft floor

ABSTRACT

A plastic substrate comprises two or more approximately planar walls ( 47 ) conjoined by elongate paralleling ribs ( 45 ) to define a plurality of elongate channels ( 44 ) to form a combination floor ( 39 ) and hull ( 38 ) of a corrugated plastic water craft. An exterior surface of the hull includes a plurality of openings located between the craft&#39;s bow and aft which facilitate a water&#39;s entry and exiting locations, ( 22 ) ( 24 ) ( 46 ) ( 48 ) ( 50 ) ( 51 ) and via a slit(s), a slot(s), a circular aperture(s), a flapped aperture(s) or notch(es); and where the water serves as a stabilizing ballast. A length of the elongate water filled flute channels is reduced to permit a quicker purging of any randomly moving air pockets ( 68 ) to provide a more consistent uniformly stabilized combination floor and hull. Additionally, aligned openings may be aligned perpendicular or parallel to the craft&#39;s elongate length to form potential weakened hinge line ( 28 ) ( 30 )( 32 ) ( 34 ) ( 35 ) ( 37 ) areas to enable a compact folding of the combination floor and hull, and including the manufacturer&#39;s or user&#39;s option of continuing any weakened hinge lines accordingly to further and more compactingly fold a complete and unassembled water craft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS App. 11/288,463 Nov. 29, 2005 Wagenknecht Prov. 60/901,995 Feb. 13, 2007 Wagenknecht Prov. 61/009,274 Dec. 27, 2007 Wagenknecht D.D. 611029 Jan. 11, 2007 Wagenknecht

This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/288,463; while also claiming dates of Document Disclosure # 611029 dated Jan. 11, 2007, and Provisional Application disclosure No. 60/901,995 dated Feb. 13, 2007

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates specifically to a combination floor and hull within a corrugated plastic water craft, and to those water crafts specifically formed from a single unitary sheet of corrugated plastic material comprising a plurality of planar walls conjoined by a plurality of elongate channel defining ribs, wherein the hull's exterior surface includes a plurality of openings located between the craft's bow and aft.

BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Concerning prior art, none was found which specifically related to a corrugated plastic combination floor and hull of a corrugated plastic water craft; wherein the floor's interior cavity surface and its exterior hull surface were conjoined by a plurality of elongate ribs which define a plurality of elongate water filled channels; and with its exterior hull surface including a plurality of openings located between the craft's bow and aft to enable a faster purging of any randomly moving de-stabilizing air pockets.

To best describe what prior art is lacking, and the problems a user may incur with prior art concerning a single corrugated plastic combination floor and hull; it may be best to describe what was not found in prior art when a water craft's corrugated plastic floor and its exterior hull surface are conjoined by a plurality of elongate ribs which define a plurality of elongate enclosed channels, and in one example; when the combination floor and hull's squared water displacement area may be approximately 27 inches wide by 10 feet long, or over 20 square feet.

Let the reader understand that a corrugated water craft with water filled flute channels results in much more initial lateral stability for a standing passenger who steps from one elongate end of the craft to the other end, and especially as a user who weighs about 170 pounds literally places one foot on the craft's floor and adjacent one sidewall; and then lifts the other foot in the air for a time of up to 3 to 4 seconds. As one side of the craft sinks slightly deeper in the water, the opposite lateral side lifts upwards and past the waterline. A standing user has only a few seconds of time before the water flows outward from the flute channels, and before the craft begins to tip any more. A standing user may rock the boat by literally jumping back and forth from one foot to another, and with each foot adjacent each sidewall, and not overturn the craft.

A same corrugated water craft lacking water filled flutes will not permit this action without the passenger going overboard; and which is partially due to the extreme light weight and narrowness of the elongate craft. There is no buffering ballast of fluid weight counter-balancing to offset the user's actions of placing only one foot and all their weight adjacent the craft's inner sidewall surface.

In this described scenario of rocking the boat, the speed of the water's flow in entering or exiting the flute channels is important. An interior flute channel's size or dimensions of 1 inch by 1 inch or more will permit water to exit too quickly, and so will greatly reduce or even eliminate any buffering time of 3 to 4 seconds. If the flute channels are too small; and in example, ⅛ inch by ⅛ inch; the water will take too long to re-enter the flute channels, once the user alternates their other foot. Flute channel dimensions are best when sized between 0.18 inch and up to 0.50 inch to most efficiently facilitate a liquid's entry into an enclosed channel.

The most standard sizes of corrugated plastic are commercially available in these commonly known sizes of 3/16 inch thick with a 4 mil wall thickness; and ¼ inch thick with a 6 mil wall thickness; and ⅜ inch thick with a 10 mil wall thickness, and with channel dimensions ranging from 0.18 by 0.22 and up to 0.35 by 0.45 inches.

Within any prior art concerning a light weight corrugated plastic water craft's corrugated plastic combination floor and hull with water filled flute channels, timing is everything as a passenger walks back and forth within the floating craft. If water can't fill the flutes fast enough, or if air-lock type of air pockets within the channels occur, a walking passenger will be standing on air filled channels, and so will be totally reliant on a craft's structural strength, or lack of it, and the craft's overall water displacement area, or lack of it, and at any exact location which the passenger is standing at the moment.

As a passenger stands near the water craft's aft end, the one piece extremely light weight corrugated plastic lifts out of the water at the bow end, wherein air flows behind the escaping water within the flute channels to the craft's waterline or draft level. As the passenger walks toward the bow area of the container, they are stepping just slightly in an upwardly direction toward the end with air filled flute channels. As the passenger walks faster than the water underneath them can flow to refill the extremely elongate air filled flute channels, a less stable situation evolves for the passenger who has become accustomed to any increased degree of lateral stability resulting from the stabilizing ballast effect of the water filled flute channels. As the passenger steps onto the air filled flute channels and onto a portion of the floor which has much less initial lateral stability, a beginning point of further instability is set into motion as the passenger automatically tries to correct their balance.

Another unstable condition which prior art does not address is randomly moving air pockets. Within an enclosed flute channel, a body of air between two bodies of fluid will take more time to assimilate and then flow, as when compared to only one body of fluid. This condition may be defined here as a randomly moving air pocket which creates slight turbulence within the water's flow by just the very presence of the body of air between the two bodies of fluid. When the flow of these bodies of fluid, and air, and then fluid are only moved by gravity, and a passenger's weight load upon the floor's fluid displacement mass, and the environment's surrounding fluid air pressure, the flow's speed is additionally affected by the enclosed channel's elongate dimensional length.

In a water craft made from 10 mil; and wherein the 10 mil describes the channels' wall thickness; there are approximately 64 individual flute channels located in a 27″ wide water craft's floor. Each individual flute channel's dimension is approximately 0.35 inch by 0.42 inch. The previously described slight turbulence of a randomly moving air pockets may be taking place in up to 64 different enclosed channels at the same time, and so gives even more importance to a quicker purging of any air pockets within the channels; and where timing is everything to retain a more consistent uniform lateral stability.

In a water craft formed from corrugated plastic, the craft's weight is around ten to fourteen pounds, or next to nothing as when compared to most water crafts. When a channel opening slit is used to form a weakened hinge line at the bow and or stern locations, and when a water craft's passenger is located at or near the aft end, the craft's bow and exposed open channels will alternately take in air and water as the bow lifts in and out of the water. As a passenger steps toward the bow, the bow quickly sinks beneath the waterline, and so traps air within the flute channels to form one or more air pockets, or possibly 64 total air pockets as previously described. The air pockets then randomly flow back and forth between the craft's bow and stern. As the passenger steps back toward the stern, the multiple and randomly flowing air pockets may be just beneath their next foot step.

Any constant change between good lateral stability and less lateral stability can quickly create a beginning point of confusion of balance for the passenger; and where any over-correction or mistaken move to correct their balance may tend to escalate until all balance is lost. In aeronautical terms, it may be comparatively described as vertigo; or a situation where a pilot loses all their conscious senses of their known coordinates or bearings of balance and or location.

Timing is everything as a standing passenger waits for all air pockets to escape, and for the flute channels to re-fill before regaining the previous degree of lateral standing stability. Gravity propelled fluid takes time to travel. Gravity propelled fluids with turbulence creating air pockets between take even more time to travel. Both fluids with air between, or fluids without air between will take longer to purge any air pockets when the channels extend the entire length of a water craft's floor.

Summarily, prior art does not provide for or apply for a corrugated plastic water craft's corrugated plastic combination floor and hull with a more uniform lateral stability via stabilizing flute channel openings located inwardly within a corrugated plastic water craft's combination corrugated plastic floor and hull; and wherein the openings reduce an enclosed water filled flute channel's length to facilitate a quicker purging of any randomly moving air pockets. Many hull designs exist which have multiple openings within the exterior hull surface; yet all are either purposed to expel a field or layer of lubricating air or air bubbles to envelope the hull's surface between it and the water; or are purposed to simply provide a water filled area for a stabilizing ballast within a water craft having a separate floor and hull; or are purposed to eject a fluid for a means of propulsion.

All previous hull designs described included the water craft having a floor which is separate from the hull itself. None were found, wherein the floor's interior cavity surface and its exterior hull surface comprised two or more planar walls being conjoined by a plurality of paralleling elongate ribs which defined a plurality of paralleling elongate liquid fillable enclosed channels via a hull's multiple openings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

One object of this invention of a multiple wall corrugated plastic water craft's corrugated plastic combination floor and hull including stabilizing openings within the hull's enclosed elongate flute channels is to reduce the distance a liquid needs to travel to more quickly purge any randomly moving air pockets. When a manufacturer chooses open ended flute channels included in their water craft's design in the formation of their water craft; and at the combination corrugated floor and hull's bow and/or aft location(s), a plurality of flute channel openings between a bow and aft will greatly reduce a channel's enclosed length to more quickly purge the air pockets simultaneously in as many as 64 different channels.

The corrugated floor and craft will maintain a more consistent uniform lateral stability for prevention of an active passenger's beginning point of confusion of balance, or a vertigo-like situation, as an active passenger walks within the craft.

Another object is to provide a plurality of opened flute channels located between a water craft's bow and/or stern for those manufacturers who use crimps as bend lines instead of opened flute channel bend lines within their design of a water craft. A plurality of flute channel openings provide inlets for water filled channels, and to facilitate a liquid's presence as a buffering element of liquid weight counter balancing to offset and stabilize an active human user's actions. Water within the enclosed channels flows to the craft's exterior waterline level somewhat freely between the corrugated floor's openings and a manufacturer's original flute channel's open ends located at the vertically upper stern and bow's distal edges. The only impedence being locations of crimped areas with smaller, yet still open flute channels; yet without the open ended flute channels at the craft's bow and/or stern floor location(s), there are fewer air pockets to purge. A more uniform lateral stability for an active passenger is still established.

In some alternative embodiments, there are several methods and cutting tools for forming a plurality of aligned flute channel openings via one of several shapes of tool formed apertures which also form one or more inwardly located arrangement(s) of hinge lines(s) being perpendicular to the floor's elongate length.

An additional advantage of the arrangement(s) is to permit a manufacturer or user the choice to continue any weakened hinge lines from the floor's location and extending each sidewall's height for an ability to more compactingly fold a water craft and its combination floor and hull in the elongate length's direction.

One advantage of spaced and aligned aperture arrangements retains the combination of the floor and hull in a rigid planar form until the user completes any aperture formed weakened hinge lines by hand; and which also may include the manufacturer's extended weakened hinge lines which extend the vertical height of any sidewalls.

In at least one alternative embodiment, and when a manufacturer chooses a corrugated plastic substrate with its elongate flute direction being perpendicular to the floor's elongate length, flute channel openings may be formed at and adjacent the floor's perimeter edges; and with additional inwardly located apertures for a more controlled flow of a water's inlet and exiting. Sizing and quantity of the apertures are negotiable according to a manufacturer's planned weight load limit of the corrugated plastic floor and the complete water craft.

An alternative embodiment may include resulting weakened hinge bend lines due to aligned aperture, or slit, or slot formed openings which align in a straight path, and with groups of aligned apertures perpendicularly intersecting another for a resulting advantage of folding a floor in either one of two different directions.

One advantage of using a triple wall or more corrugated substrate is in the forming of any openings or apertures within one planar membrane wall, or its conjoining ribs; and where any remaining planar membrane walls provide a multiple wall leak proof surface for a more substantial and rigid floor.

SUMMARY

In summation; this disclosure claims the solution for a more laterally stable corrugated plastic combination floor and hull, and thus a more laterally stable corrugated plastic water craft; and via the counter-balancing and stabilizing effect of any water filled channels' fluid weight; and via decreased flute channel lengths via a plurality of flute channel aperture openings located inwardly between the elongate floor's bow and aft ends for a quicker purging of any randomly moving de-stabilizing air pockets; and where in some alternative embodiments, comprises aligned apertures or openings, with a resulting advantage of a weakened hinge line or potential weakened hinge line which provides an optional advantage of a further and more compactable folding of the corrugated plastic combination floor and hull, and including the water craft manufacturer's option of continuing any weakened hinge lines accordingly to further and more compactingly fold a complete and unassembled corrugated plastic water craft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

-   22—a circular shape opening(s) in the hull's exterior surface. -   24—a tabular shape opening(s) in the hull's exterior surface, and     being in a fish scale like, or semi-circular shape. -   26—a manufacturer's bend location(s) which form a water craft's end     walls and side walls also establishes the floor and hull's     perimeter. -   28—a weakened hinge bend line or potential weakened hinge bend line     formed via a plurality of aligned or intermittently spaced     apertures. -   30—a weakened hinge bend line formed via a slit, with resulting     flute channel openings. -   32—a weakened hinge bend line formed via a slot, with resulting     flute channel openings. -   34—a weakened hinge bend line formed via a V-cut shape, with     resulting flute channel openings. -   35—a weakened hinge bend line formed via a semi-spherical-cut shape,     with resulting flute channel openings. -   36—a flute channel's directional path represented by a dashed line's     double ended arrows. -   37—a potential crimped weakened hinge line location in a triple wall     substrate made directly opposite from a cutting tool's (56), (58),     (60), or (62) cut area. -   38—a hull's surface area of the combination floor and hull. -   39—a floor's surface area of the combination floor and hull. -   40—a corner area of an unassembled and planar corrugated substrate;     wherein a manufacturer chooses locations and configurations of     weakened hinge bend lines, or flap or tab configurations, or any     means they choose to form an open cabin corrugated plastic water     craft; and is represented by dashed lines in an alphabetical letter     X shape. -   42—a sidewall area wherein a manufacturer user may choose to     continue the floor and hull's weakened hinge line bend via a crimp,     or a hinge forming slit, or any means they choose, and designated by     an aligned series of dotted line alphabetical letter X shapes. -   44—an open flute location(s) of the substrate's original     manufacturer's sheet cut-off. -   45—a conjoining rib in a corrugated substrate's configuration. -   46—a slit formed flute channel opening(s) in the hull's exterior     surface. -   47—a planar membrane wall in a corrugated substrate's configuration. -   48—a slot shape formed flute channel opening(s) in the hull's     exterior surface. -   50—a V-cut shape formed flute channel opening(s) in the hull's     exterior surface. -   51—a circular shape formed flute channel opening(s) in the hull's     exterior surface. -   52—a corrugated water craft floor's bow location. -   54—a corrugated water craft floor's stern or aft location. -   56—a knife blade for cutting a hinge forming flute channel opening     slit. -   58—a tool shape for cutting a hinge forming flute channel opening     slot shape. -   60—a tool shape for cutting a hinge forming flute channel opening     V-shape notch. -   62—a tool shape for cutting a hinge forming flute channel opening     semi-spherical or concave shape notch. -   64—a human user's weight load location represented by a shoe. -   68—an air pocket. -   70—a water craft's water line level or draft line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, closely related figures may have the same number, but different alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1,a; A plan bottom view of a preferred embodiment's bottom and exterior hull surface, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's planar and unassembled position.

FIG. 1,b; A perspective bottom view of a preferred embodiment's bottom and exterior hull surface, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's assembled position.

FIG. 2,a; A perspective view of a commonly available double wall corrugated plastic substrate with exposed and factory cut-off flute channel openings.

FIG. 2,b; A perspective view of an uncommonly available triple wall corrugated plastic substrate with exposed and factory cut-off flute channel openings.

FIG. 3,a; A perspective bottom view and including a partial zoom view of a corrugated plastic with a crimped weakened hinge line traversing perpendicular to the flute channels' elongate direction, and including inwardly located circular apertures and inwardly located fish scale like semi-circular tabular flaps.

FIG. 3,b; A side and upright view of FIG. 3,a, and including a partial zoom view of a corrugated plastic with a crimped weakened hinge line traversing perpendicular to the flute channels' elongate direction, and including inwardly located circular apertures and inwardly located fish scale like semi-circular tabular flaps.

FIG. 4,a; A perspective bottom view and including a partial zoom view of a corrugated plastic with a slit weakened hinge line traversing perpendicular to the flute channels' elongate direction, and including inwardly located circular apertures and inwardly located fish scale like semi-circular tabular flaps.

FIG. 4,b; A side and upright view of FIG. 4,a, and showing a corrugated plastic with a slit weakened hinge line traversing perpendicular to the flute channels' elongate direction, and including inwardly located circular apertures and inwardly located fish scale like semi-circular tabular flaps.

FIG. 4,c; A an end and slightly perspective view of a bent weakened hinge line formed from a plurality of circular apertures within a corrugated plastic substrate.

FIG. 5,a; A plan bottom view of an alternative embodiment's bottom and exterior hull surface, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's planar and unassembled position, and with a circular aperture flute channel opening formed weakened hinge line and which is aligned perpendicular to the flute channels' elongate direction.

FIG. 5,b; A side view of FIG. 5,a, of the exterior side wall surface, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's assembled position.

FIG. 5,c; A side view of FIG. 5,a and after the water craft is in a completely planar and unassembled position, and within a final compacted and folded position.

FIG. 6,a; A side and partial view of a water craft's floor, and showing a slit formed weakened hinge line, and a human user's weight load represented by a shoe, and a zoom view of the tool which formed the slit.

FIG. 6,b; A side and partial view of a water craft's floor, and showing a slot formed weakened hinge line, and a human user's weight load represented by a shoe, and a zoom view of the tool which formed the slot.

FIG. 6,c; A side and partial view of a water craft's floor, and showing a V-shape notch formed weakened hinge line, and a human user's weight load represented by a shoe, and a zoom view of the tool which formed the V-shape notch.

FIG. 6,d; A side and partial view of a water craft's floor, and showing a concave semi-spherical shape notch formed weakened hinge line, and a human user's weight load represented by a shoe, and a zoom view of the tool which formed the concave semi-spherical shape notch.

FIG. 7,a; A plan bottom view of an alternative embodiment's bottom and exterior hull surface, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's planar and unassembled position, and with a floor's slit formed weakened hinge line, and which is aligned perpendicular to the floor's flute channels' elongate direction.

FIG. 7,b; A side view of FIG. 7,a, of an alternative embodiment's side and exterior surface, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's assembled position.

FIG. 7,c; A side view of FIG. 7,a, but with the water craft in a folded position.

FIG. 8,a; A plan bottom view of an alternative embodiment's bottom and exterior hull surface, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's planar and unassembled position, and with multiple flute channel opening slit formed weakened hinge lines and which are aligned perpendicular to the floor and flute channels' elongate directions.

FIG. 8,b; A side view of FIG. 8,a, of a water craft's side and exterior wall surface, and shown within the corrugated plastic water craft's assembled position.

FIG. 8,c; A side view of FIG. 8,a when the water craft is in a completely planar and unassembled position, and with the craft's outer portions folded inwardly.

FIG. 8,d; A side view of FIG. 8,c after the water craft is in a completely planar and unassembled position, and with the previous folded portions folded inwardly again; and shown in its most foldable position possible while all apertures and or partially cut through slits, slots, etc. remain on one planar side within a double wall substrate.

FIG. 8,e; A perspective bottom view of FIG. 8,a; and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's assembled position.

FIG. 9,a; A plan bottom view of an alternative embodiment's bottom and exterior surface, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's planar and unassembled position, and with multiple flute channel opening circular aperture formed weakened hinge lines and which intersect one another, and are aligned in both perpendicular and parallel to the floor's elongate direction.

FIG. 9,b; A side view of FIG. 9,a being partially folded.

FIG. 9,c; A side view of FIG. 9,a being completely folded.

FIG. 10,a; A perspective view of a triple wall corrugated substrate being cut with a wide slot forming tool, and cut through one exterior membrane and cut at least partially through conjoining ribs.

FIG. 10,b; A side view of the triple wall substrate of FIG. 10,a; and after the substrate is bent approximately 90 degrees toward the floor's surface.

FIG. 10,c; A side and upright view of a floor's triple wall substrate as when two groups of slot formed openings are submerged beneath a craft's draft line.

FIG. 10,d; A side and upright view of the substrate of FIG. 10,c, but shown as when the combination floor and hull are out of the water and folded for compacting the substrate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—FIG. 1,a,b—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A bottom plan view of FIG. 1,a is an elongate and approximately planar double wall corrugated plastic substrate comprising two planar surfaces conjoined by paralleling ribs extending the substrate's entire length. The view shows a water craft and its combination floor and hull (38) in a planar and unassembled position. The hull's (38) surface area is facing the viewer, and within this embodiment, is equally distanced inward from the substrate's outer perimeter edges, and being equally proportionate to the substrate's perimeter edges. Located within the hull's surface (38), are four groups of circular shape apertures (22) cut through one planar surface, and wherein each group is individually aligned to extend inwardly from each of the four corner areas and angularly toward the hulls center. Also shown, are three groups of aligned and intermittently continuous flute channel openings which form a potential weakened hinge bend line(s) being formed via a slit (30), and being located intermediate the hull's length, and extending the hull's width. Also shown within the drawing is a double ended dashed arrow which discloses the elongate flutes' direction (36). Adjacent and surrounding the hull's (38) perimeter, are a water craft manufacturer's crimped weakened hinge lines (26) which also form the hull's perimeter edges. Located outwardly from the hull's perimeter are X-shapes (40) in each of the substrate's corners which represent a water craft manufacturer's choice in their method of formation of an open cabin water craft. FIG. 1,b is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 1,a, and is showing the same described elements with the addition of a water craft's bow (52) location and its stern or aft (54) location; as the substrate is now viewed as an assembled water craft and its combination floor and hull (38).

In the drawings, closely related figures may have the same number, but different alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1,a; A plan bottom view of a preferred embodiment's bottom and exterior hull surface (38), and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's planar and unassembled position. Also shown are the water craft manufacturer's crimped weakened hinge line (26) locations which establish the hull's (38) perimeter edge, and a floor's elongate flute direction (36), and a plurality of circular shape apertures (22) located inwardly within the floor, and an arrangement of an intermittently continuous weakened hinge line(s) formed via a slit(s) (30) and four a corner areas of an unassembled and planar corrugated substrate; wherein a manufacturer chooses locations and configurations of weakened hinge bend lines, or any configuration to form an open cabin corrugated plastic water craft; and is represented by dotted-dashed-dotted lines in an alphabetical letter X shape (40).

FIG. 1,b; A perspective bottom view of FIG. 1,a, of a preferred embodiment's bottom and exterior hull (38) surface, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's assembled position. Also shown are a manufacturer's crimped weakened hinge line (26) locations which establish the hull's perimeter, and a floor's elongate flute direction (36), and a plurality of circular shape apertures (22), and the slit formed (30) potential weakened hinge line(s) and a water craft's bow (52) and stern (54) locations.

FIG. 2,a; A perspective view of a commonly available double wall corrugated plastic substrate with exposed and factory cut-off flute channel openings (44), and paralleling ribs (45) which join the substrate's two exterior planar membrane walls (47) to form the flute channels (44).

FIG. 2,b; A perspective view of an uncommonly available triple wall corrugated plastic substrate with exposed and factory cut-off flute channel openings (44), and and paralleling ribs (45) which join the substrate's two exterior planar membrane walls, (47) to the interior wall (47) to form the flute channels (44).

FIG. 3,a; A perspective bottom view and including a partial zoom view of a corrugated plastic with a crimped weakened hinge line (26) being aligned perpendicular to the flute channels' elongate direction, and including inwardly located circular apertures (22) and inwardly located fish scale like semi-circular tabular flap openings (24), and the substrate's original factory location of open ended flute channels (44).

FIG. 3,b; A side and upright view of FIG. 3,a, and including a partial zoom view of a corrugated plastic with a crimped weakened hinge line (26) traversing perpendicular to the flute channels' elongate direction, and within a hull's exterior surface location, showing inwardly located circular apertures (22) and inwardly located fish scale like semi-circular tabular flap openings (24), and the substrate's original factory location of open ended flute channels (44).

FIG. 4,a; A perspective bottom view and including a partial zoom view of a corrugated plastic with a water craft manufacturer's slit formed weakened hinge line (30), and aligned perpendicular to the flute channels' elongate direction (36), and including inwardly located circular apertures (22), and inwardly located fish scale like semi-circular tabular flap openings (24), and the substrate's original factory location of open ended flute channels (44).

FIG. 4,b; A side and upright view of FIG. 4,a, and showing a corrugated plastic with a water craft manufacturer's slit formed weakened hinge line (30) and aligned perpendicular to the flute channels' elongate direction (36), and including inwardly located circular apertures (22), and inwardly located fish scale like semi-circular tabular flap openings (24), and the substrate's original factory location of open ended flute channels (44).

FIG. 4,c; A an end and slightly perspective view of an aperture formed bent potential weakened hinge line (28) formed from a plurality of circular apertures (51), a rib (45) location, and showing the flute channels' elongate direction (36) within the corrugated plastic substrate.

FIG. 5,a; A plan bottom view of an alternative embodiment's bottom and exterior hull surface (38), and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's planar and unassembled position. Also shown a water craft manufacturer's crimped weakened hinge line (26) locations which establish the hull's (38) perimeter, and a circular aperture formed potential weakened hinge line (28) located inwardly within the hull's perimeter, and being aligned perpendicular to the floor's elongate flute channel direction (36), and four corner areas of an unassembled and planar corrugated substrate; wherein a manufacturer chooses locations and configurations of weakened hinge bend lines, or any configuration to form an open cabin corrugated plastic water craft; and being represented by dotted-dashed-dotted lines in an alphabetical letter X shape (40), and sidewall areas wherein a manufacturer user may choose to continue a floor's weakened hinge line bend via a crimp, or a hinge forming slit, or any means they choose, and designated by a series of dotted line X shapes (42).

FIG. 5,b; A side view of FIG. 5,a, of an exterior side wall of an assembled corrugated plastic water craft. Also shown are locations of a manufacturers crimped weakened hinge lines (26) and showing the craft's bow (52) and stern (54) locations. Also shown is a circular aperture formed weakened hinge line (28) location, and the craft's flute channel's elongate direction (36), and a manufacturer's area of choice in continuing a floor's weakened hinge line bend and designated by a series of dotted line X shapes (42). Also shown are locations of a factory's original cut-off open ended flute channel locations (44).

FIG. 5,c; A side view of FIG. 5,a after the water craft is in a completely planar and unassembled position, and after being compactingly folded. Also shown is an aperture formed weakened hinge line (28) location, and the flute channels' elongate direction (36), and locations of a factory's original cut-off open ended flute channel locations (44).

FIG. 6,a; A side and partial view of a water craft's combination floor (39) and hull (38) and showing a slit formed weakened hinge line (30) and an air pocket (68), and human user's weight load represented by a shoe (64), and a zoom view of the slit forming tool (56), and the flute channels elongate direction (36), and the resulting slit formed opened flute channels (46).

FIG. 6,b; A side and partial view of a water craft's combination floor (39) and hull (38), and showing a slot formed weakened hinge line (32), and a human user's weight load represented by a shoe (64), and a zoom view of the slot forming tool (58), and the flute channels elongate direction (36), and the resulting slot formed opened flute channels (48).

FIG. 6,c; A side and partial view of a water craft's combination floor (39) and hull (38), and showing an inverted alphabetical letter V-cut shape notch formed weakened hinge line (34), and a human user's weight load represented by a shoe (64), and a zoom view of the V-cut shape notch forming tool (60), and the flute channels elongate direction (36), and the resulting inverted V-cut shape notch formed opened flute channels (50).

FIG. 6,d; A side and partial view of a water craft's combination floor (39) and hull (38), and showing a concave semi-spherical shape notch formed weakened hinge line (35), and a human user's weight load represented by a shoe (64), and a zoom view of the concave semi-spherical shape notch forming tool (62), and the flute channels elongate direction (36), and the resulting concave semi-spherical shape notch formed opened flute channels (51).

FIG. 7,a; A plan bottom view of an alternative embodiment's bottom and exterior hull surface (38), and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's planar and unassembled position. Also shown are locations of a factory's original cut-off open ended flute channel locations (44), and a water craft manufacturer's locations of slit formed weakened hinge line (30) locations, and a hull's slit formed weakened hinge line (30) locations, and being intermittent in their continuity, and being centeredly located and perpendicular to the floor's elongate flute channel direction (36), and four corner areas of an unassembled and planar corrugated substrate; wherein a manufacturer chooses locations and configurations of weakened hinge bend lines, or any configuration to form an open cabin corrugated plastic water craft; and is represented by dotted-dashed-dotted lines in an X shape (40), and sidewall areas wherein a manufacturer user may choose to continue a floor's weakened hinge line bend via a crimp, or a hinge forming slit, or any means they choose, and designated by a series of dotted line alphabetical letter X shapes (42).

FIG. 7,b; A side view of FIG. 7,a, of a water craft's exterior side walls, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's assembled position. Also shown are locations of a factory's original cut-off open ended flute channel locations (44), and a water craft manufacturer's locations of slit formed weakened hinge line (30) locations at the bow (52) and stern (54) of the assembled craft, and a floor's slit formed weakened hinge line (30) location and being perpendicular to the hull's (38) elongate flute channel direction (36), and an area wherein a manufacturer user may choose to continue a floor's weakened hinge line bend via a crimp, or a hinge forming slit, or any means they choose, and designated by a series of dotted line alphabetical letter X shapes (42). Also shown are slit formed opened flute channel locations (46).

FIG. 7,c; A side view of FIG. 7,a, but with the water craft in a folded position. Also shown are locations of a factory's original cut-off open ended flute channel locations (44), and a floor's slit formed weakened hinge line (30) location, and slit formed opened flute channel locations (46), and a flute channel's elongate direction (36).

FIG. 8,a; A plan bottom view of an alternative embodiment's bottom and exterior hull (38) surface, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's planar and unassembled position, and with multiple flute channel opening slit formed weakened hinge lines (30) and which are aligned perpendicular to the flute channels elongate direction (36). Also shown are locations of a factory's original cut-off open ended flute channel locations (44), and a water craft manufacturers crimped formed weakened hinge line (26) locations which establish the hull's (38) perimeter, and the floor's plurality of slit formed weakened hinge line (30) locations and being perpendicular to the floor's elongate flute channel direction (36), and four corner areas of an unassembled and planar corrugated substrate; wherein a manufacturer chooses locations and configurations of weakened hinge bend lines, or any configuration to form an open cabin corrugated plastic water craft; and being represented by dotted-dashed-dotted lines in an alphabetical letter X shape (40), and sidewall areas wherein a manufacturer user may choose to continue a floor's weakened hinge line bend via a crimp, or a hinge forming slit, or any means they choose, and designated by a series of dotted line alphabetical letter X shapes (42).

FIG. 8,b; A side view of FIG. 8,a, of an exterior side wall, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's assembled position. Also shown are the craft's bow (52) and stern (54) locations, and a plurality of slit formed weakened hinge line (30) locations, and resulting slit formed flute channel openings (46), and the craft's flute channel's elongate direction (36), and a manufacturer's area of choice in continuing the floor's weakened hinge line bends and designated by a series of dotted line alphabetical letter X shapes (42). Also shown are locations of a factory's original cut-off open ended flute channel locations (44).

FIG. 8,c; A side view of FIG. 8,a when the water craft is in a completely planar and unassembled position, and with the craft's outer portions folded inwardly. Also shown are a plurality of slit formed weakened hinge line (30) locations, and resulting slit formed flute channel openings (46) locations, and the craft's flute channels elongate direction (36), and locations of a factory's original cut-off open ended flute channel locations (44).

FIG. 8,d; A side view of FIG. 8,c and after the water craft is folded inwardly again; and shown in its most foldable position possible while all apertures and or partially cut through slits, slots, etc. remain on one planar side within a double wall substrate. Also shown are a plurality of slit formed weakened hinge line (30) locations, and resulting slit formed flute channel openings (46) locations, and the craft's flute channel's elongate direction (36), and locations of a factory's original cut-off open ended flute channel locations (44).

FIG. 8,e; A perspective bottom view of FIG. 8,a; and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's assembled position. Also shown are the craft's bow (52) and stern (54) locations, and a plurality of slit formed weakened hinge line (30) locations, and resulting slit formed flute channel openings (46) locations, and the craft's flute channel's elongate direction (36), and a manufacturer's area of choice in continuing a floor's weakened hinge line bends and designated by a series of dotted line alphabetical letter X shapes (42). Also shown are locations of a factory's original cut-off open ended flute channel locations (44).

FIG. 9,a; A plan bottom view of an alternative embodiment's bottom and exterior hull (38) surface, and shown within a corrugated plastic water craft's planar and unassembled position, and with a plurality of circular apertures aligned to form potential weakened hinge lines (28) which are aligned perpendicular and parallel to the floor's elongate direction (36). Also shown are locations of a factory's original cut-off open ended flute channel locations (44), and a water craft manufacturers crimped formed weakened hinge line (26) locations which establish the combination floor and] hull's perimeter, and four corner areas (40) of an unassembled and planar corrugated substrate; wherein a manufacturer chooses locations and configurations of weakened hinge bend lines, or any configuration to form an open cabin corrugated plastic water craft; and being represented by dotted-dashed-dotted lines in an alphabetical letter X shape (40), and sidewall areas wherein a manufacturer user may choose to continue a floor's weakened hinge line bends via a crimp, or a hinge forming slit, or any means they choose, and designated by a series of dotted line alphabetical letter X shapes (42).

FIG. 9,b; A side view of FIG. 9,a being partially folded, and showing aperture formed potential weakened hinge line (28) locations, and a manufacturer's original cut-off open ended flute channel (44) locations.

FIG. 9,c; A side view of FIG. 9,a being completely folded, and showing aperture formed potential weakened hinge line (28) locations, and a manufacturer's original cut-off open ended flute channel (44) locations.

FIG. 10,a; A perspective view of a triple wall corrugated substrate being cut with a wide slot forming tool (58), and cut through one exterior membrane wall (47) of the three walls (47) shown, and at least partially through the conjoining ribs (45), and showing a manufacturer's original cut-off open ended flute channel (44) locations, and the material's slot shape formed newly opened flute channels (48), and a location of a potential crimped weakened hinge line area (37) within the remaining two walls of the triple wall substrate.

FIG. 10,b; A side view of the substrate of FIG. 10,a; and after the substrate is bent approximately 90 degrees toward the floor's (39) surface area, and showing the substrate's slot shape formed newly opened flute channels (48), and the resulting weakened hinge line area of crimping (37) within two walls of the triple wall substrate, and a partial zoom of the crimp (37), a draft line (70), and also showing the channels elongate direction (36).

FIG. 10,c; A side and upright view of a floor's (39) triple wall substrate as two wide slots within the hull's (38) surface are shown submerged beneath a water's surface or draft line (70) of a water craft, and showing slot formed flute channel openings (48), and two crimped weakened hinge lines (37), and also showing the channels elongate direction (36).

FIG. 10,d; A side and upright view of the substrate of FIG. 10,c, but shown as when the combination floor and hull are out of the water and folded for further compacting the substrate. Shown are two locations of crimped weakened hinge lines (37), and how the substrate within this embodiment is folded in two locations approximately 90 degrees away from the floor's (39) surface area, and the flute channels elongate direction (36).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—OPERATION

Note; any defined numberless acronym may refer to all types within its definition.

Before forming a more stabilized corrugated plastic water craft's corrugated plastic floor via a plurality of flute channel openings; and which here on may be defined as FCO's; located within the hull's (38) FIGS. 1,a,b surface between the assembled water craft's bow and aft, a reader should understand some basic properties concerning the polymer or co-polymer plastic substrate.

Corrugated plastic; and which here on may be defined as CP; comprises two or more planar surfaces conjoined by paralleling ribs which extend the substrate's entire dimension, and normally paralleling the substrate's longest measurement.

CP is commercially sold in 4 foot widths, and with the elongate flute channels normally extending and paralleling the substrate's elongate length. The most standard sizes of CP are 3/16 inch thick with a 4 mil wall thickness; and ¼ inch thick with a 6 mil wall thickness; and ⅜ to ½ inch thick with a 10 mil wall thickness. These stated sizes have interior flute channel dimensions ranging from 0.20 by 0.22 inches and up to 0.30 by 0.40 inches. CP is also available in almost any length, and is available with flute channels paralleling its width, and also in a triple wall format.

At least one manufacturer has done tests at 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and has found CP to be bendable thousands of times before fracturing; and have referred to it as a living hinge. It is extremely light in weight, yet remains fairly rigid until exposed to temperatures above 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit; where it then is somewhat more flexible, and pending its wall and rib thickness.

When a CP water craft's CP floor is placed upon a water's surface, the water has the effect of leveling out any flexing of the substrate, as when compared to a human user standing on the substrate when upon a somewhat uneven ground terrain. When a CP water craft's CP floor's flute channels include openings or inlets for the water to enter, the CP in a sense, more becomes a part of the water and its flow. The water beneath the floor's wall more evenly supports a user's weight load and any variations of weight stresses as a passenger moves about. Some increased drag does occur with a water filled channel, but the floor and hull's water filled flute channel's stabilizing merits far outweigh the small reduction in a CP water craft's speed.

Lateral stability in a narrow, elongate, and extremely light weight CP water craft is normally the most immediate concern; and is similar to a canoe or kayak which are also prone to lateral instability. And as explained in the descriptions of prior art, initial lateral stability is not the only most immediate concern; but also the degree of consistent lateral stability being equally as important, as a lack of consistent lateral stability can easily lead to the previously described situation of; a beginning point of confusion of balance; or in aeronautical terms, a vertigo like situation for an active passenger, or a pet, etc.

FIG. 1,a is a bottom plan view of an unassembled water craft and its combination floor and hull (38) in a completely unfolded and planar position. The hull's (38) surface faces the viewer.

A manufacturer's chosen method of forming the water crafts side walls and end walls in FIG. 1,a are crimp formed weakened hinge lines (26) which also define the perimeter of the combination floor and hull (38).

Within each corner of the substrate, and located exterior to the hull's marked perimeter, a manufacturing user may use any configuration of forming an open cabin water craft which they may choose, and is labeled in the drawing with a dotted and dashed line in a shape of an alphabetical letter X (40); and here on may be defined as area X (40).

This disclosure does not address all areas exterior to the floor's perimeter; and as a water craft manufacturer will determine how the substrate is formed, bent, or configured to the open cabin five sided water craft's structural formation. Any areas which are addressed will pertain to the water filled flute channels within the combination floor and hull, or a manufacturer's possible configurations of a water craft's formation which will affect the floor's water filled flute channels.

When a manufacturer chooses to use a weakened hinge line; and here on may be defined as WHL; and as shown using crimps in FIG. 1,b (26), and as shown in a close up view within FIG. 3,b (26), the crimped areas will easily permit air to flow through, and until any fluid within the channels reaches the water craft's waterline level, or draft line. Water may flow through the crimped areas a little slower than the air, but will still flow through. The draft on a 10 foot long water craft with a 10 foot long by 27 inch wide floor is about 1 inch to 2 inches with a 170 pound passenger; and so the distance water needs to travel past the crimped area, and then vertically upwards within an assembled water craft's bow or aft's end wall is nominal.

To begin forming the CP water craft's hull surface as shown in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1,a; the manufacturing user may use a circular milling tool bit or a hand drill bit to form the circular apertures (22). The apertures (22) in FIG. 1,a do not necessarily have to be in the exact configuration as shown, yet this arrangement prevents a forming of any weakened hinge lines which are parallel or perpendicular to the substrate's length. As the grouping of circular apertures are in a general V-shape, and when within the box like configuration of an assembled corrugated plastic open cabin water craft as shown in FIG. 1,b, the hull's V-shaped apertured areas can not form into unintentional weakened hinge lines. The apertures are spaced apart and aligned from each corner in a direction which is approximately towards the hull's center. Many other arrangements of apertures are possible to provide a plurality of a liquid's entry and exit locations.

The method of forming the slit formed FCO's of FIG. 1,a; is via a thin cutting knife tool (56) as shown in FIG. 6,a; and is used to form a group of slit formed weakened hinge line(s) (30) which in this embodiment, are intermittent in their continuity to retain the planar stability of the substrate until a user chooses to extend any bend locations further to include a bending of the water craft's side walls for a compact folding of the combination floor and hull, and the water craft. As shown in FIG. 6,a, a passenger's weight is represented by a shoe (64) upon the floor (39) which slightly opens the hull's (38) surface just enough for the slit formed FCO's (46) to more quickly facilitate the water's entry for a faster purging of any randomly moving air pocket(68) FIG. 6,a.

In water crafts such as a fire truck's emergency water craft with a long length of 10 feet to 14 feet or more, several groups of circular shape apertures (22) which form a larger V-shape or other shapes which do not form a straight WHL, will help to retain the floor and hull's planar rigidity while still stabilizing the floor and hull with the water filled channels within the extremely light weight craft.

At least one alternative embodiment of CP is shown in FIG. 2,b, and is a three walled (47) substrate with conjoining and paralleling ribs (45) which form the paralleling flute channels (44). A double wall (47) substrate is shown in FIG. 2,a. Almost all CP is commercially sold with the flute channels traversing the substrate's elongate length, and being perpendicular in direction to the substrate's width.

Alternative embodiments of forming openings within the floor may include tabulated openings (24) in one exterior wall of a double wall floor substrate, and being in a fish scale like, or semi-circular shape; and are shown in FIG. 3,a (24). These tabulated openings are best used when a manufacturer has a slanted bow within the craft, and where the manufacturer may align the tabulated openings accordingly to the water craft's direction of travel to achieve less drag.

When a manufacturer chooses to use a continuous slit formed WHL (30) as shown in FIG. 4,a; the slit will open all flute channel openings by cutting through one wall's planar surface, and directionally perpendicular to the flute channels' elongate direction, and at least partially cutting within the conjoining ribs (45).

When the substrate is bent along the slit cut WHL (30), the ribs will self score until reaching the opposite planar membrane wall; and where the remaining membrane wall serves as a WHL (30) to bend thousands of times and remain leak proof. An upright side view of FIG. 4,a is shown in FIG. 4,b.

When a manufacturer does not choose to use a flute channel opening slit(30) as described in FIG. 4,a; and so chooses to use a crimped WHL (26) bend at the craft's bow and or stern; as shown in FIG. 1,a (26) or FIG. 3,b (26), a floor may alternatively include at least one or more groups of circular shape apertures (22) which are aligned in a direction which is perpendicular to the flute channels' directional path (36) as shown in FIGS. 5,a,b,c; and may also include any number of additional FCO's which are separate from the aligned group's direction, but not shown in FIGS. 5,a,b,c.

This alignment of circular shaped apertures in FIG. 5,a may form a circular shape aperture formed potential WHL (28); and where the apertures will still weaken the substrate if cut directly over any ribs (45) or between the ribs, as the material will still be weakened enough to form a bend within the substrate.

See FIG. 4,c for an end perspective view of an aperture formed WHL (28), with the apertures (51) formed between any ribs (45), and aligning perpendicular to the flute channel's elongate direction (36). The polymer plastic will stretch in areas surrounding the apertures (51) for a floor's compact folding when a manufacturer chooses to extend any WHL's located within the floor; and further and completely up the water craft's sidewalls. These areas of choice are designated in FIG. 5,a with a series of dotted line alphabetical letter X shapes (42) which continue the floor's WHL direction; and here on may be defined as area X (42).

Only one aperture formed WHL (28) is shown in the drawing of FIG. 5,a, but several may be used; in addition to additional random and un-aligned apertures.

FIG. 5,b shows the unassembled water craft of FIG. 5,a in a side view of its fully assembled position; and when the manufacturer chooses to continue the floor's weakened hinge line (28) further up the sidewalls in the area X (42), the craft may be folded in half as shown in FIG. 5,c. FIG. 5,b also shows an assembled water craft's bow (52) and stern (54) to inform the reader exactly where the water craft's floor (38) and any locations of FCO's are located.

A manufacturer has choice of other shapes and sizes of flute channel openings within a water craft's floor; and other than a hinge forming slit. Several options are shown in FIGS. 6,a; 6,b; 6,c; and 6,d. Any one of the multiple shapes shown may form the floor's FCO's and any resulting WHL's.

The tool bits in FIGS. 6,b; 6,c and 6,d will permit a CNC milling machine to more quickly form the openings with control of a cuts depth within the substrates ribs. The enlarged views of the described tool bits are also shown to better convey the different shapes possible to choose the size or shape of the water's inlets or FCO's. Which one a manufacturer uses may also depend on whether a bow and or stern crimped WHL (26) is used, versus any other means of the manufacturer's method of creating a bend where the floor joins a wall; and pending whether the bend method results in open flute channels or not.

The drawing of FIG. 6,a shows a partial side view of a water crafts CP floor (38) with slit formed channel openings (46) under the weight of a passenger's footstep, and with the weight being represented by a shoe (64). Note how the floor angles downward just slightly beneath the slit formed WHL (30), and how the slit opening has a slightly larger gap when underneath the weight of the shoe. As a passenger walks from one elongate end of the floor to the other end; and when several slits are made within the floor as shown in FIG. 8,a; the floor's slit opening widens just slightly to permit more space for water to flow through. An air pocket is then purged even more quickly as water flows through to push any air upwardly towards the water line level.

The slit cut shown may be slightly exaggerated to display the cut opening, as any water underneath the floor tends to level out downward pressures of a walking person, and is also pending the thickness of CP substrate used in the floor.

Also shown in FIG. 6,a; is an air pocket (68), and the flute channels elongate direction (36), and the type of slit forming tool (56); and of which is only one of many slit forming tools that may be used to make the slit cut. Other FCO shapes are shown in FIGS. 6,b,c, and d.

FIG. 6,b shows some elements of FIG. 6,a; but showing a slot forming tool shape (58), and a slot formed WHL (32), and two areas of slot formed FCO's (48).

FIG. 6,c shows some elements of FIG. 6,b; but showing a V-shape notch forming tool shape (60), and a V-shape notch formed WHL (34), and two areas of V-shape notch formed FCO's (50).

FIG. 6,d shows some elements of FIG. 6,b; but showing a semi-spherical end shape notch forming tool shape (62), and a concaved circular shape notch formed WHL (35), and two areas of circular shaped notch formed FCO's (51).

A CP material's thickness, and the length of a water craft, and the intended weight limit load; will all affect a manufacturer's choice of which of the tool shapes disclosed will be used; and for better determining a water's rate of flow into and its exiting from any FCO's.

When a manufacturer does choose to use any of the flute channel opening tools within FIGS. 6,a through 6,d; and when located at a water craft's bow and or stern in the forming of weakened hinge line bends as in FIG. 7,a (30); a slit formed flute channel opening WHL (30) may be formed in the floor's center area also.

FIG. 7,a is a bottom plan view of an unassembled water craft in a completely unfolded and planar position. The centeredly located WHL (30)(30′)(30′) is shown as it intermittently extends the combination floor and hull's width in a direction being perpendicular to the floor and craft's elongate length and the flute channels' elongate direction (36).

The centeredly located, slit formed FCO's (46) with the resulting WHL (30) as shown in FIG. 6,a and FIG. 7,a; reduces the length of most of the water filled channels by half; and so provides a quicker purging of any randomly moving air pockets; and so facilitates a more uniform and more consistent stability of the floor and water craft. Remembering that seconds count between a consistently good lateral stability and a lessened lateral stability due to any randomly flowing air pockets, as the water within the flute channels needs to travel only half the distance before purging any air pockets. These few seconds saved can determine a passenger's retained sense of balance versus the previously stated beginning point of confusion of balance; which can quickly lead to any further over correcting. Where the water craft is being used may also make a difference; as the calm waters of a small lake may not require the few seconds saved as much as when compared to the faster moving waters of a stream or river when every second counts. Timing is everything when a standing or walking active passenger or pet is maintaining their sense of balance within the extremely light weight water craft.

FIG. 7,b shows the elements of FIG. 7,a; but with the water craft fully assembled. Note area X (42), and the water craft's bow (52) and aft (54) areas. If the manufacturer chooses to continue the floor's weakened hinge bend line upwards and through the sidewalls in the area X (42), the unfolded and planar position of the water craft as shown in FIG. 7,a may be folded to the position shown in FIG. 7,c. The folded water craft of FIG. 7,c also shows locations of the substrate's original factory cut off locations with the exposed flute channel openings (44), and the flute channels' elongate direction (36), and the newly opened flute channels (46) formed by a slit cut, and the slit cut formed WHL (30).

Shown in FIG. 8,a is a bottom plan view of an unassembled water craft in a completely unfolded and planar position; and is similar to FIG. 7,a, but where the water craft manufacturer is using crimps to form weakened hinge lines (26) at each elongate end of the floor (38) in their forming of the open cabin water craft.

In this embodiment with no opened flute channels at either of the floor's elongate ends; a plurality of slit formed FCO's (46) with the resulting WHL's (30) may be formed at inwardly locations within the hull's surface, and being aligned perpendicular to the floor's and flute channel's elongate direction (36), and extending the entire floor's width.

FIG. 8,b is a side view of the assembled water craft of FIG. 8,a. If the water craft manufacturer chooses to continue the floor's WHL's (30) bend locations upwards and through the sidewalls in the areas of X (42), the unfolded and planar position of the water craft as shown in FIG. 8,a may be folded to the position shown in FIG. 8,c, and then folded further to the position shown in FIG. 8,d. Also shown in FIG. 8,b, are all the newly opened FCO's (46) locations.

Shown in FIG. 8,e is a bottom perspective view of a completely assembled water craft with the corrugated plastic floor's plurality of flute channel opening slit formed WHL's (30).

The alternative embodiment of FIG. 9,a is a bottom plan view of a water craft and its combination floor and hull with the hull facing the viewer in a completely planar and unassembled position. The drawing is showing where a water craft manufacturer uses four crimp formed WHL's (26) in the forming of the craft, and with no opened flute locations adjacent the floor's perimeter.

Also shown is the flute channel's elongate direction (36) which is perpendicular to the floor's and entire water craft's elongate length direction. All previous art within this disclosure had only concerned flute directions which were parallel with the floor's and entire water craft substrate's elongate length.

One major U.S. manufacturer of corrugated plastic has a maximum of 104 inches wide in their extrusion processing equipment, and so may limit this alternative embodiment to a maximum length of 104 inches. This embodiment does have merits wherein its width may be greater than any previously described floor or water craft, and without any special ordering costs or wasted material costs to attain a wider width of the floor and craft.

Also shown are a plurality of circular aperture formed WHL's (28) which extend the floor's (38) width in 3 separate and aligned paths, and also extend the floor's elongate length in 3 separate and aligned paths; and while also showing their intersecting locations. The apertures (22) of FIG. 4,c may or may not be placed over intersecting ribs; as when they (22) are located between any ribs, material surrounding the apertures (22) and the conjoining ribs themselves will stretch and conform to weaken one planar surface of the substrate to create a WHL (28), as previously described concerning FIG. 4,c.

One of the best attributes of any embodiment with the aligned circular apertures (22) is the forming of potential weakened hinge lines (28) within the drawing of FIG. 9,a. The intersecting configuration(s) of aligned apertures almost retain the floor and hull's original strength, while still providing numerous water inlet openings throughout the hull's exterior surface; and while the manufacturer retains several options of continuing the floors potential weakened hinge lines in different directions via their choices within the multiple areas X (42) within the side walls.

The size of, or spacing between, or quantity of any circular apertures do not have to be as depicted in the drawings; as variables may change concerning the thickness of substrate, and the intended passenger weight limit, and the overall size of the floor and its craft, and whether the manufacturer or user will make the initial bends.

The folding examples in FIG. 9,b and FIG. 9,c are similar to previous foldings in FIG. 8,c and d; and are shown to illustrate the factory's original cut off open ended channel locations (44) to further illustrate the flute channels' elongate direction.

In referring back to the general hinge line configuration of FIG. 8,a; and when the flute channels' direction parallels the floor's elongate length, and when the manufacturer chooses to continue any weakened hinge lines in the areas of X (42); the CP floor and the water craft may be folded to approximately ⅓ its total length.

A triple wall corrugated plastic material as shown in FIG. 2,b solves the problem of folding an extra large 48 inch by 16 foot water craft with a 2 foot by 14 foot combination floor and hull.

FIG. 10,a shows a bottom perspective view of a slot forming cutting tool (58) which is wider in diameter than would normally be used for a double wall substrate. The tool is cutting through a first membrane and at least partially through any conjoining ribs (45) to expose newly opened slot formed FCO's (48) to form a potential WHL (37) within the triple wall substrate.

When the substrate is bent as in the side view of FIG. 10,b, any remaining portions of the ribs will self score or tear until reaching the innermost planar membrane wall (47); and where the two remaining planar membrane walls will form the potential crimped WHL (37), and in a direction which is perpendicular to the flute channels' elongate direction.

Also shown in FIG. 10,b, is a draft line (70), and the slot formed newly opened FCO's (48), and a zoomed in view of the crimped portion of the potential WHL (37). Within FIG. 10,c and FIG. 10,d are two closely aligned arrangements of newly opened FCO's (48) which permit a folding which is directed away from the floor's (39) surface. A draft line (70) is also shown in FIG. 10,c.

When using a combined arrangement of folded portions which fold toward the floor's surface, and with the arrangement depicted within FIG. 10,d being located intermediate and perpendicular to the combination floor and hull's elongate length, a combination floor and hull may be even more compactly folded without overly stressing any hinge line areas.

A floor and its surrounding water craft are not limited to the existing industry standard of a co-polymer polypropylene plastic. A durable polyethylene, or a more flexible and highly durable polyurethane or other LDP type low density plastic polymers may also be used. This disclosure claims these types, yet is not limited to those specifically from the hundreds of chemical combinations possible.

In summation; this disclosure claims the need for a more laterally stable combination corrugated plastic floor and hull; and thus a more laterally stable corrugated plastic water craft; and via the counter-balancing and stabilizing effect of any water filled channels' fluid weight; and additionally via decreased flute channel lengths via a plurality of flute channel aperture openings for a quicker purging of any randomly moving de-stabilizing air pockets; and where in some alternative embodiments comprising aligned apertures or openings, a resulting advantage of a weakened hinge line(s) or potential weakened hinge line(s) provides an optional advantage of a further and more compactable folding of the corrugated plastic floor; and including the water craft manufacturer's option of continuing any weakened hinge lines to extend a water craft's sidewalls accordingly to further and more compactingly fold a complete and unassembled corrugated plastic water craft.

While yet, one of the greatest advantages of any resultant weakened hinge lines within some embodiments including aligned apertures or intermittent slits, or intermittent slots, or intermittent notches may be the retained structural strength and planar form of the combination floor and hull before a manufacturer or user chooses to continue any potential weakened hinge line for any necessary folding of the combination floor and hull and its surrounding water craft for storage or transport.

Although previous descriptions contain many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this corrugated plastic combination floor and hull.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the scope of this new concept of a corrugated plastic water craft's combination floor and hull goes well beyond and with much improvement over any prior art concerning a corrugated plastic combination floor and hull.

Prior art did not consider or apply for the following merits of a water filled channel's stabilizing effect within an extremely long and narrow corrugated plastic water craft's corrugated plastic combination floor and hull, and including;

Prior art did not consider the merits of a plurality of slit or slot or special shape channel openings located inwardly between an assembled water craft's bow and aft ends to reduce a floor's water filled flute channel's elongate length for a quicker purging of any de-stabilizing randomly moving air pockets.

Prior art did not consider the merits of a channel's opening comprising a tabular like semi-circular shape flap for alignment according to a water craft floor's direction of travel; and for either a decreased drag or an increased fluid's flow.

Prior art did not consider the merits of the few seconds saved to prevent any confusion of balance via a reduced length of any water filled enclosed channels.

Prior art did not consider the merits of an aligned plurality of slit or slot or special shape formed flute channel openings with resulting weakened hinge lines for the longitudinal folding of the corrugated plastic combination floor and hull.

Prior art did not consider the merits of channel openings in a form of spaced apart apertures aligned perpendicular to a floor's elongate length; and which retain a floor's planar structural integrity until a time of bending the substrate; and wherein material surrounding the apertures stretches to form a weakened hinge line.

And in conclusion, the previous descriptions of common sizes or thicknesses of available corrugated plastic are not intended to exclude any thicker or thinner materials of either the plastic substrate's planar walls or conjoining ribs. 

1. A plastic substrate comprises two or more approximately planar walls conjoined by elongate paralleling ribs to define a plurality of elongate channels and comprising; a bow end and an aft end, wherein an improvement is a combination floor and hull for a water craft wherein an exterior surface of said hull comprises a plurality of openings located between said bow end and said aft end, whereas said openings facilitate a fluid's entry and exiting locations, and wherein said fluid serves as a stabilizing ballast, and whereas an enclosed length of said elongate channels is reduced, and wherein a quicker purging of randomly moving air pockets provides a more consistent uniformly stabilized said combination floor and hull.
 2. What we claim is: A plastic substrate comprises two or more approximately planar walls conjoined by elongate paralleling ribs to define a plurality of elongate channels and comprising; a bow end and an aft end, wherein an improvement is a combination floor and hull for a water craft wherein an exterior surface of said hull comprises a plurality of openings located between said bow end and said aft end, and wherein said openings are aligned in one or more arrangements being perpendicular or parallel to said elongate channels, whereas said openings facilitate a fluid's entry and exiting locations, and wherein said fluid serves as a stabilizing ballast, and whereas an enclosed length of said elongate channels is reduced, and wherein a quicker purging of randomly moving air pockets provides a more consistent uniformly stabilized said combination floor and hull, and whereas said arrangement(s) form a weakened hinge line(s) to enable a compacted folding of said combination floor and hull.
 3. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; said openings having cut through apertures within at least one membrane wall(s) of said substrate.
 4. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; said openings having cut through apertures within at least one membrane wall(s) of said substrate and at least partially cut through said rib(s).
 5. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; said openings having cut through apertures within at least one membrane wall(s) of said substrate and between said rib(s).
 6. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; said openings having a tabular-like flap(s).
 7. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; said openings being formed via a slit(s).
 8. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; said openings being formed via a slot(s).
 9. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; said openings being formed via a notch(es).
 10. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 2, and further comprising; said openings and or said arrangements being intermittent in their continuity to retain a planar structural stability of said combination floor and hull prior to said folding.
 11. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; said openings being aligned perpendicular to an elongate direction of said floor.
 12. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; said openings being aligned parallel to an elongate direction of said floor.
 13. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; an aligned plurality of said openings forms a weakened hinge bend line.
 14. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; a single slit formed plurality of said openings forms a weakened hinge bend line.
 15. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; a single slot formed plurality of said openings forms a weakened hinge bend line.
 16. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; a single notch formed plurality of openings forms a weakened hinge bend line.
 17. We further claim; said substrate as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; said substrate formed from a polyethylene plastic material.
 18. We further claim; said substrate as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; said substrate formed from a polypropylene plastic material.
 19. We further claim; said substrate as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; said substrate formed from a polyurethane plastic material.
 20. We further claim; said hull as recited in claim 1, and further comprising; a variance of thickness of material surrounding said openings. 